A significant number arrives; thanks for validating what we do

A bit of a digression off the top, please indulge me a few personal paragraphs (boss’s idea) if you will.

I don’t think any of us had a clue what might transpire here when we began this little experiment back in November, 2007; we weren’t sure how sustainable it would be or whether it’d just be a place to park excess Raptors information.

Well, think we’ve found out.

According to our little page-view counter, we went past 20,000,000 some time late yesterday afternoon, a feat we should all be kind of proud of.

Now, I know a bit of it is simply a function of time – we’ve been at this almost five years now – but even to me that’s a rather impressive number and it’s got to do as much with the Irregulars as it does with me.

It’s turned into one of the most fun and rewarding things I’ve done in a longish career, some days we joke, some days we educate, some days we entertain in any manner of ways and, yes, some days there are snippets of news and opinion about the Raptors and the NBA.

And it always seems to evoke response, there have been 20 million page views but there have also been more than 55,000 comments posted in that time; some quite complimentary, some not so much but many heartfelt and I appreciate that.

As we’ve said before, this is like the world’s biggest cyber-cocktail party, a disparate group where if you don’t like one conversation you can simply move to another part of the room where the cool kids are hanging out.

And it’s generally fun.

Not sure what you all get out of it but I get a terrific sense of accomplishment most mornings, I like most of the interaction, I’ve really enjoyed branching out a little bit (not a sentiment shared by all of you, unfortunately) and when I hit the post button each morning, it’s done with the knowledge that it’ll either inform you, perhaps infuriate you but always entertain you.

And that’s what it’s all about.

One of the Taller Foreheads at Mother Star was asking me last night about favourite posts over the years and that’s a difficult exercise.

Remember Sam getting fired?

Or Jay getting fired?

Or Jose-TJ or Jose-Jarrett and how cool would it have been to be here when HWSNBN was traded?

But maybe it’s me and a desire to do a few different things but two that stood out?

This one, the first Canada Day one we did, a celebration of our great land, a chance to do something out of the ordinary.

And if that made you smile (and I hope it did) the one we did the day Yao Ming said he was going to retire gave me a chance to tell a story pretty well.

I take great pride in what we do here; I try to be reasoned and a bit provocative and a bit entertaining and, as the counter clicked past an unimaginable number yesterday, it proved that it’s working.

Thanks. Thanks an awful lot.

-

Now … usual tripe.

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Sure, you all probably spent some time yesterday humming Moon River to yourselves after news broke on the passing of Andy Williams and who could blame you.

Here’s another wee ditty he did you might recall.

RIP.

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So there was a bit of basketball and a tiny road trip yesterday.

Gumby, The First Lady Of The Beat and I, along with various and sundry others, traipsed off to the far off edge of the Beaches to watch Landry Fields deliver some season tickets to some fan.

Yeah, that was as thrilling as it sounds but it did afford us some time with Fields pre-camp and it’s always good to chat with a player because you never know what he might say.

Apart from the basic boilerplate stuff (‘I’ll do whatever the coach needs; there’s a lot of talent on this team; we have to develop some chemistry; I’m really happy to be here, yadda, yadda, yadda’) there were a couple of salient points.

One, of course, had to do with the contract – barely above the league average, mind you – and whether it adds any pressure to him:

“Not really. Honestly, with the guys and the coaching staff, they haven’t put any of that kind of pressure on me, and I haven’t felt any at all either. I just have to maintain this attitude throughout this season.”

One of the more interesting part of the chat was about where he plays, given that Dwane Casey is going to have an awful lot of options at the wing positions with DeRozan, Ross, Fields, Klieza and, who knows, maybe even McGuire. That’s going to be quite interesting over the season because there are an awful lot of options available.

“I don’t care, it doesn’t matter. You put me out there, I’m going to do what’s asked of me, it doesn’t matter what position.

“Not really (a difference). Players today are so great, they can do a multitude of things so it’s had to define a specific position unless you’re a big-time centre, I think that’s pretty obvious. I think a lot of guys can do a lot.”

But is it a problem?

“I don’t think so. It helps with defensive matchups; if you get cross-matched you can still guard the same kind of guy. It definitely helps players but it also makes it much tougher because now all these guys are at the same level and you really have to beat out some great competition to stay on the floor.”

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You know how some of us can tell fall is here?

You have to put a jacket on to walk Super Dog at 5:30 a.m.; first day today and while it was still shorts and flipflops weather, a jacket was a must.

Guess summer is over.

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You folks sent some doozies to the mail yesterday but there’s always room for more.

You’ve got the drill down pat, right?

Click. Write. Send.

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Welcome back, real NFL refs. Don’t you dare blow a call late in a close game.

Funny what a huge public outcry over a travesty of a call will do to spur stalled negotiations that end with a sudden settlement to a long work stoppage.

Wonder what the pucks equivalent would be?

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And, finally, one of the hardest-working in show business put together a list of the highest read things we’ve done. It’s an interesting one.

Please have a read.

-

 

 

 

Comments

[Chris]

Congrats on the major milestone...you mentioned starting this in 2007, but I definitely remember reading Nuthin but Net back in at least early 2006...are these considered different as that was just a weekly thing (tuesdays maybe)?

Also, just as a reference, is there anything else going on at thestar.com has as much (or even more) views?

Keep it up...

Blogger's note: We started with the weekly notes, then added a mailbag and then it grew a bit more

[TL]

20,000,000! Well earned, Doug - there's no easy way to win a loyal readership like that.
"we joke... we educate... we entertain..." and we get back together every day.
Thanks for all of it.

Blogger's note: My pleasure

[james]

Simply put, you are the James Brown of sportswriters.
And thanks for the advice on the single-game tickets.

Blogger's note: Glad to help

[D-Mac Ottawa]

Way to go, Doug!
No wonder you passed on my question the other day about "how the heck many hits are you up to now anyway?"... Well played, sir.
You truly are The Blogfather of the NBA.
Now get that Live Stream TV Gruntland thing rolling!
Cheers. Go Raps!

Blogger's note: We'll see what we can do; and thanks a lot

[Rob.V]

Dude!
-
Great accomplishments are typcially results from the transmission of ideas, and great enthusiasm.
-
20,000,000.00 is a testament to your hard work, and committment to this space over a long period of time.
-
Congratulations!, and thank you.

Blogger's note: I appreciate that very much

[Phil A]

Congratulations Doug! You should be proud of this achievement. I hope to be reading this blog for the next few decades.

Blogger's note: I am, thanks; and I hope you are too.

[doug]

congrats 20 million of anything is a lot...when you were first into journalism and someone said to you "you'll have 20 million hits on your blog someday" you'd have looked at them like you were in a 3rd Rock From the Sun episode or trying to think have I been insulted or not...times change, and you've changed right along with them to this stage in your career, best interactive blog out there anywhere...your dedication, your effort and most of all to me you giving us a place to just go read and take in divergent views and discuss...is how a man once said famously..."thats gold, pure gold"..go tip back a Stella on us, you deserve it....cheers...

Blogger's note: I just might; thanks a lot

[kathyt]

Contrats Doug! 20 mil hits... it's a good thing.

Blogger's note: It is, and I thank you

[Matt LS]

Doug,
You have been a part of my mornings for 5 years now, and I greatly appreciate it! You were the first blogger to ever post and answer my question, and this really made me feel a part of your little community.
Even when the Raps are down and out (always), I keep coming back, because there is always something else interesting going on!
In terms of memorable moments, while I am on here for Raps talk, your coverage of Beijing made me feel like I was there!
Here is to another 20 million!

Blogger's note: I appreciate that very much

[Wayne]

Congrats on the achievement! You do such great work.

Blogger's note: I appreciate the kind words

[Nick M]

Congrats Doug,

Along with many of your commenters today, I have been here from the start.
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And I have to agree with Matt LS about your coverage of Beijing, but I will take it one step further as that seemed to be when this little Raptors blog branched out into all sports and a melting pot of politics, media, travel, food and just daily hot topics. And that has been the best part!

Blogger's note: Truly glad you think so

[Mike kovacs]

Way to go Doug! Have a Stella! Now I know that I was the 20 millionth viewer, what is the prize?

Blogger's note: First prize: A Raptors off-day story; second prize: Two

[Wilber]

Doug,
A couple years ago, I forwarded you an end of season all-purpose blog comment that seems appropriate to revisit on this milestone day. It was a proud moment to get the coveted "DING DING DING" from you. Some of the names have changed, but not the kind of sentiments we see here everyday. Congratulations on a true accomplishment, building a true community here. Happy to be a part of it.
------------------
Dear [Doug/Dougie Boy/Smith/Smitty/Idiot],

Your [last/first/every] blog really [sucked/was amazing/hit the nail on the head/demonstrated your incompetance]. I absolutely [agree/disagree/don’t understand] with your [thoughts/opinions/rants/drivel] about the Raptors.

You really need to see things more like [me/Bill Simmons/M. Grange/Feschuk/Every poster on Hoopshype, raptorblog & RealGM].

Bryan Colangelo is a [basketball god/Richard Peddie puppet/daddy’s boy/solid gm] and it’s time he [traded for Kobe Bryant by offering Jason Kapono, 4 members of the dance pak and a dozen Nik Antropov jerseys/Signed Jake Voskuhl to a max contract/went back to the desert/continued what he’s doing to improve the team].

He should [rehire Jay Triano/fire Jay Triano/rehire, extend, then fire Jay Triano] or even bring [over Ettore Messina/back Sam/back Butch/back Kevin O’Neill].\

Can’t you see he needs to bring back [Delfino/Garbo/Will Solomon/Oak/Acie Earl] as they are just what this team needs.

Jose Calderon is [overpaid/amazing/overrated/our point guard for the next five years] and I hope he spends the summer [sleeping/playing for Spain/sipping mimosas on a Spanish beach with a Dr. Ho machine strapped to his hamstring].

Chris Bosh should be [maxed out/traded/reminded how condoms work] and the sooner the better. And he needs his [own TV show/camcorder taken away/knees iced from now until October].

It’s obvious that Andrea Bargnani is [a stud/a flop/a solid NBA pro/really struggling to grow a beard] and he should be [traded/extended/shipped back across the pond] right away.

I look forward to seeing Joey Graham and his new [contract/airplane/Oklahoma City Thunder jersey] Next year this time, I suspect we’ll all be marveling at Pops’ [6th man award/D-league stats/youtube clip of him being stripped by guards in the paint]\

All Raptor fans are [passionate/informed/idiots] but at least we’re not puckheads.

Next year I’m convinced this team will win[52 games/31 games/the Larry O’Brien trophy/the draft lottery]. Remember, I told you first.

And TSN/Rogers really [suck] (no options here. They just do.)

There you go Doug. I’m a [fan of the blog/know-it-all armchair athlete/hater of the blog, yet still willing to take time to read it and post nasty comments] and really think you should [give it up/quit/blog more often/enjoy your summer].

[Thanks/You Suck] A Doug Smith Blog [fan/hater]

Blogger's note: There's the winner!!!

[Drew Ebanks]

Doug, A much-deserved congrats to you on a truly AMAZING accomplishment! 20,000,000 views for basketball in Canada! No way basketball can't work here in this great country! Keep doing your thing. Hoops is here to stay and we need people like yourself to promote and encourage the kids to participate and allow the sport to thrive. Cheers Mr. Smith!
Drew Ebanks

Blogger's note: Many thanks

[joeu]

Well done ! Happy 20 million-th .... where's the celebration cake with those candles - the Canadian tire at Eglinton and Laird ?
( http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1261638--firefighters-battle-three-alarm-blaze-at-canadian-tire-store-in-leaside )
Too soon ??

I'll tell you one reason I like your blog: my wife is 100% not-a-sports-person, but I will occasionally read her a quote from your blog, usually pertaining to the Raps, including the story of The Regend picking your pocket. She seemed to enjoy the excerpts, but I don't know - she could have been humouring me.

After the lockout, I mentioned that Reggie signed in LA. She asked me : "Did mr. Evans have to fall back on his working skills ?" So it turns out that you are the way for a bit sports to be part of the household conversation.

What I appreciate is your approach here: you're not ranting apoplectically, tmz-rumour mongering, or inventing stuff. Kind of your own version of "respecting the game"

Blogger's note: That kind of sums up what we try to do here; thanks

[Striker 77]

Hey Doug,

I hope you see this, although you have been given the same sentiment throughout the day. I have been following you for years, and I have always loved this blog.. During a busy work day, I love the 10-15 minutes I read your blog during lunch, where I can just forget about work for a bit and just enjoy what your blog has to offer.. I also check it throughout the day, to read the comments from the irregs! Its been awesome! Thanks man..

Blogger's note: Seriously, I cannot say thank you often enough. Rather humbling, actually.

[Ari]

Hi Doug,

Just adding to the multitude of well-wishers here, from one of the more silent Irregulars.

I had little appreciation for basketball before the Raptors came to town, and shortly after they did I picked up and relocated to Australia (no connection there!). I latched onto Nothing But Net to learn more about the game and have been reading your blog pretty much every day since. I'm still not nearly as knowledgeable about it as some of your readers, but I'll get there some day.

I no longer simply look forward to the bits of HOTH news and IGBTs (and thank you for those; one of the good bits about this time zone is that game times coincide nicely with the start of the workday! you know, so I can run it in the background, of course), but also to hear what you have to say about sports and basically the state of affairs in general. Arguably some of your best columns come "off-peak".

Businesses all over the world can take lessons from what you've done here in trying to garner a social presence: keeping the entries simple and digestible but yet catering to the lowest common denominator only when you need to, different enough every day to keep everyone interested, inclusive of different types of readers (those that come to "watch the game" vs. those who come to come for the experience), and most importantly, responding to your audience judiciously. Believe it or not, you're a social media expert. 20,000,000 hits can attest to that.

In any case, well done again on all that you do. Looking forward to yet another successful season and many more to come.

Cheers

Blogger's note: Wow. Thanks very much

[sportschic]

Late to the party, but congratulations on a milestone. 20 million is huge, (and I suspect that the hit count is helped by those of us who come back and check in a few times in a day) :) but I think that 55,000 comments says something about how engaged your readers are, and that says a lot about you -- that's a great stat too. Also, if you combine that with your IGBT, you're doing an amazing job at engaging your readers, and we appreciate it a lot.

Am I allowed to give Wilber a Ding, Ding, Ding?! That was great.

Blogger's note: It was outstanding and thank you

[pkm]

I'd like to point out that Doug has acknowledged each of the 41 previous congratulatory comments. You're a class act Smith. Congratulations, and keep up the great work.

Cheers.

Blogger's note: It's the right thing to do and even Super Wife will admit that every now and then I do the right thing. Thanks

[Angelo]

Congrats Doug, here's to 20 million more.

Blogger's note: Much appreciated